The Royal Palm Players (RPP) will open its new theatrical season with a production of A.R. Gurney’s acclaimed play, Love Letters, from November 13 through November 16 in Boca Grande, Florida. This poignant work explores the lifelong relationship between two characters through their correspondence, starting from their school years in 1937.
Under the direction of Sally B. Johnson, with assistance from Linda Rollyson, the production features two distinct casts. Each cast brings its own interpretation to the characters of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, creating a unique experience for the audience. Johnson and Rollyson have a rich history with RPP, and their expertise enhances the emotional depth and humor inherent in Gurney’s writing.
On the opening nights of Thursday and Friday, Maggie Bush and Scott Wise will portray Melissa and Andy, respectively. For the weekend performances, Ann Fletcher and Jim Cowperthwait will take on the same roles. Both Bush and Fletcher have established themselves as talented actors in the community, while Wise and Cowperthwait have honed their craft through numerous performances with RPP.
The reading format of Love Letters relies solely on the spoken word, offering a rewarding theatrical experience that engages the audience’s imagination. This format allows the powerful text to resonate deeply with both returning patrons and newcomers alike.
RPP is encouraging attendance by offering a special promotion for those who wish to experience both performances. A discount of 25 percent will be applied to the second ticket purchase when tickets for both nights are bought together. Interested attendees can take advantage of this offer by contacting the RPP office at (941) 964-2670.
Single tickets for the show are priced at $30 for standard seating and $40 for premium seating. They can be purchased online at RoyalPalmPlayers.com, by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or in person at the Box Office located above Crews Bank on 301 Park Avenue in Boca Grande.
All performances will begin at 5 p.m. at the Crowninshield Community House, located at 240 Banyan Street. Attendees will also be welcomed with complimentary wine at the entrance prior to each performance.
About A.R. Gurney:
A.R. Gurney (1930-2017) was a prominent American playwright known for his insightful examinations of upper-middle-class life in New England. Born in Buffalo, New York, and educated at Williams College and Yale University, Gurney’s work often reflects the complexities of social change within the WASP culture of 20th-century America. His notable plays include The Dining Room, The Cocktail Hour, Sylvia, and Love Letters. Gurney’s writing poignantly captures the humor and heartache of evolving societal norms, making his works both reflective and relatable.
The Royal Palm Players’ production of Love Letters promises to be an engaging and memorable start to the theatre’s season. The combination of talented casts and a beloved script creates an opportunity for audiences to connect with the timeless themes of love and communication.
